Much of the layout of this course was experimental. What did you like about it, dislike about it, or what would you change?

I really like the format of this online course. I like how the unit deadlines were not too close and gave us some time to really think about our assignments. This is the first online course I’ve taken which included the Commons, or any separate site besides D2L. I think the Commons is set up nicely and easy to navigate. I think “Jim’s Thoughts” was clear and informative and without a doubt proved to be useful for the quizzes, exams, and discussions. Honestly, I can’t really think of anything I disliked about the format of the class. All in all, a good experience with this course.

What’s are the most significant ideas, information, or skills that you feel you learned during the course?

I have learned quite a bit of ideas, information, and skill during this semester in the course. The information that has impacted me the most has to be the lesson about important figures of the American economic history, such as John D. Rockefeller (hence why I chose to write a book review about him), Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, etc. Other information that I found to be extremely intriguing has to be the history of the canals, railroads, and other means of transportation which were detrimental to the economy and really shaped America today. I enjoyed reading about the state of the economy during different periods in history, such as the Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, and WWII. Overall, I feel like I know way more now than before I took this course.

I would like to talk about the similarities between the person I chose to read about for my book review project, John D. Rockefeller, and the main character, Daniel Plainview, in one of my favorite movies, There Will Be Blood. Supposedly, a reporter once asked John D. Rockefeller (at the time the richest man in the world) how much money was enough, to which Rockefeller replied “It’s always just a little more than you have.” I think this statement is completely accurate with everyone, regardless of their financial status. While some, such as John D. Rockefeller and Daniel Plainview, desire greenbacks more than others, I think everyone wouldn’t mind having more money to work with. Similar to Rockefeller, Daniel Plainview has a burning passion for extracting oil because more oil equals more profit. Also likewise to Rockefeller, Daniel Plainview started off small; from finding a small amount of silver in a mine shaft to eventually running an oil empire. Another similarity between the two is they both would do anything to make money, even if that means being deceptive and misleading. Both of them are exceptional entrepreneurs in the oil industry.

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” – John D. Rockefeller. This quote is truly great. How I interpret it is a person who wishes to be successful should be creative and original. They should be innovative and follow their own path to success. Yeah, their own path to success may come with more failure than if they were to follow the “normal” route to success, but it will make them stand out when they eventually do become successful (with enough hard work).

I chose to read the book John D. Rockefeller: A Portrait in Oils by John K. Winkler for my book review project. Mr. Rockefeller has always been my favorite businessman in American history. While he may not exactly have been the most morally correct individual, it’s tough to argue he wasn’t a business genius. One of his most interesting tactics includes reaching agreements with railroads to charge more for shipping his competitors’ oil and oil products than his own. In doing so, the competing oil refineries could not keep up with his business and were forced to go out of business. John D. would then buy out the competing refinery and raise the price of his oil and oil products. He repeated this process numerous times and would eventually go on to control 90-95% of all American oil refineries. Another one of his strategies included lowering the price of his oil products in regions where his competitors were located and raising his prices in regions where his competitors were not located (since buyers had no choice but to buy his products since they had no other options). Both of these strategies are certainly brutal business tactics but at the same time are downright brilliant. For this reason, I look up to John D. Rockefeller as an American entrepreneur.

While the Women’s Rights Movement didn’t equal total gender equality, it was a major step in the right direction. Even in present times, there’s still room for improvement concerning gender rights but women’s suffrage was a huge milestone in American history for a variety of reasons. Obviously, the direct impact of the movement was it gave women the right to vote. Indirect impacts resulting from this step in American history include paving the way for further social reforms for women. Previously, only men had a voice when it came to social, economic, or political issues. The suffrage movement gave women a voice in society and brought us one step closer to complete gender equality.

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” This quote sends chills down my spine. The 1969 moon landing is the single most triumphant moment in human history. This historic event has given mankind hope of reaching other planets and possibly other galaxies. While it may have put the United States ahead of the Soviet Union in the space race, it was a huge win for all of humankind. The space race has greatly affected the American economy and has also resulted in numerous technological advancements. An example of these technological advancements includes small, portable electronic devices that were not present before the moon landing. Electronic items like cameras had to be reduced in size in order to be taken to the moon and ever since the idea of “less is more” has stuck. Other examples include microcomputers, microwave ovens, and smoke detectors; all of which continue to have an impact on today’s economy.

If I could choose any decade to experience in the 20th century, I would pick the 1950’s. The reason being it was a time of prosperity and economic stability. Finding a well-paying job was a whole lot easier during this time period than most other decades. With that being said, the 50’s were not perfect. On an economic scale, the 50’s were booming. However, not so much in the political and cultural departments. Racial equality and gender stereotypes are a couple examples of the downside of the 1950’s.

The Great Depression occurred due to the outcome of the infamous 1929 stock market crash in the U.S. and lasted all the way until 1939. The unemployment rate in the U.S rose drastically, people lost their homes, and some didn’t even have enough money to purchase basic necessities. It’s safe to say the economic impact of the Great Depression was massive and resulted in human suffering as well as major changes in government policy. It should also be noted that the Great Depression didn’t only affect the U.S. at the time.

The post-WWI U.S. economy flourished. After the war, the Roaring Twenties happened. The Roaring Twenties refers to the period of prosperity and changes in society during the 1920’s. This economic boom led to an increase in consumerism and more fancy gadgets such as toasters and washing machines became available for purchase to the public. This period also consisted of increased opportunities for women, an even further increase in technology, and an expansion in the entertainment industry (such as the movie industry). More people moved from farms to cities and the stock market played a major role in the wealthiness of families. The implementation of credit allowed people to buy more expensive things. However, this led to many people racking up tons of debt and brought on the 1930’s; also known as the Great Depression.